Fort Collins set to OK pot sales

A divided Fort Collins city council gave initial approval this week to ordinances allowing marijuana retail stores and grows.

The 4-3 vote in support of the sales rejected the city administration’s recommendation the current ban remain in place for at least two more years, The Coloradoan newspaper reported.

A final vote is schedule to take place in two weeks.

Fort Collins has waffled over marijuana issues in recent years, starting with medical marijuana. City policies that allowed medical marijuana stores were repealed by city voters in 2011 but then reinstated in 2012.

Crow Holdings Capital announced Wednesday it bought the 241-room hotel from a group that includes Quorum Hotel and Resorts. The price wasn’t disclosed.

Quorum has managed the hotel for 26 years and officials say it will continue to do so under the new owners.

The triangular-shaped building, built in 1892, was an early example of an atrium-style hotel. It has hosted several U.S. presidents and other dignitaries, including members of the Beatles.

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SNAP STAT

84,881

The number of Coloradans signed up for private health insurance through the Colorado health insurance exchange as of March 1, according to Connect for Health Colorado. The program’s goal is 136,600 by the March 15 enrollment deadline.

Business Briefs are compiled from staff reports and Chieftain wire services.